Observation of Adv. Higher Modern Studies: Topic: They were studying Criminology. Class size: 14 Teacher: Mr Malcolmson
Before the class the students had done research on the topic of Criminology, so they were well prepared. This class included a lot of different ways of teaching and the students got to read, take notes and listen to both the teacher and other student’s views in a discussion lead by the teacher. At the end of the class everyone got to present their findings orally, in a small presentation.
The atmosphere in the class was good and everyone seemed comfortable and no one was acting immaturely. The plan and objectives were very clear and everyone knew what they were working towards even thought they were given a broad topic with lots of choices.
In the class discussion all the students were contributing on a high level and they were trying to push and challenge each other’s views with questions. The teacher made sure everyone were included in the discussion as well as self taking part as an equal member in the group.
The classroom contained a smartboard, a projector and a stereo, but none were used.
Summary of class: This was very personalised and students got lots of choice and freedom in the certain topic, where they did what interested them and everyone were taking part in an active discussion. The teacher did also offer a lot of different range of teaching methods during the class. The topic was also very much linked to what happens in the real world.
What could have been improved to personalise the learning in this class more? There is not much more that could have been done to personalise this kind of lesson, but there is also very hard to judge after just one observation. At the moment it seems like this class is very personalised already. The teacher could improve the learning by aiming more towards developing a skill/general skills related to the topic, instead of just feeding the students knowledge.
Student Opinions: We asked the students for opinions about Advanced Higher Classes and they all seemed to agree that they have more choice and freedom to do they work according to what suits them best. Before in Standard and Higher Grades they didn’t have the same freedom and it was more structured, they say they like it more now because it’s more challenging and they can pick something that interests them.
“In Advanced Higher there is definitely more freedom, when we go into classes we’re not necessary told how to do things or given any material to read. It’s a lot less structured and we don’t really know what we are working towards. In Highers you’re told what you have to memorize all the things you need in in your exam, but with Advanced Higher it’s left to you what you think is relevant and irrelevant, you have to take what you think is good.”
Some mentions that they couldn’t have done Advanced Higher before because it would have been too difficult and they thought as they grow older and more mature Advanced Higher suits better.
“It’s a necessary step towards becoming and adult. It’s beneficial and I enjoy it more. I couldn’t have done it two years ago.”
In general all students seems to like Advanced Higher more and the flexibility it gives. But like you can see in the quote above, they are not so sure they could have done it before and they think you need to reach a certain age and maturity to be able to take the responsibility needed.
Advanced Higher is a good example of Personalised Learning.
CASE STUDY
Advanced Higher Classes, AHS
Observation of Adv. Higher Modern Studies:
Topic: They were studying Criminology.
Class size: 14
Teacher: Mr Malcolmson
Before the class the students had done research on the topic of Criminology, so they were well prepared.
This class included a lot of different ways of teaching and the students got to read, take notes and listen to both the teacher and other student’s views in a discussion lead by the teacher.
At the end of the class everyone got to present their findings orally, in a small presentation.
The atmosphere in the class was good and everyone seemed comfortable and no one was acting immaturely. The plan and objectives were very clear and everyone knew what they were working towards even thought they were given a broad topic with lots of choices.
In the class discussion all the students were contributing on a high level and they were trying to push and challenge each other’s views with questions.
The teacher made sure everyone were included in the discussion as well as self taking part as an equal member in the group.
The classroom contained a smartboard, a projector and a stereo, but none were used.
Summary of class:
This was very personalised and students got lots of choice and freedom in the certain topic, where they did what interested them and everyone were taking part in an active discussion.
The teacher did also offer a lot of different range of teaching methods during the class. The topic was also very much linked to what happens in the real world.
What could have been improved to personalise the learning in this class more?
There is not much more that could have been done to personalise this kind of lesson, but there is also very hard to judge after just one observation. At the moment it seems like this class is very personalised already.
The teacher could improve the learning by aiming more towards developing a skill/general skills related to the topic, instead of just feeding the students knowledge.
Student Opinions:
We asked the students for opinions about Advanced Higher Classes and they all seemed to agree that they have more choice and freedom to do they work according to what suits them best.
Before in Standard and Higher Grades they didn’t have the same freedom and it was more structured, they say they like it more now because it’s more challenging and they can pick something that interests them.
“In Advanced Higher there is definitely more freedom, when we go into classes we’re not necessary told how to do things or given any material to read. It’s a lot less structured and we don’t really know what we are working towards. In Highers you’re told what you have to memorize all the things you need in in your exam, but with Advanced Higher it’s left to you what you think is relevant and irrelevant, you have to take what you think is good.”
Some mentions that they couldn’t have done Advanced Higher before because it would have been too difficult and they thought as they grow older and more mature Advanced Higher suits better.
“It’s a necessary step towards becoming and adult. It’s beneficial and I enjoy it more. I couldn’t have done it two years ago.”
In general all students seems to like Advanced Higher more and the flexibility it gives. But like you can see in the quote above, they are not so sure they could have done it before and they think you need to reach a certain age and maturity to be able to take the responsibility needed.
Advanced Higher is a good example of Personalised Learning.